Alcoholic Beverages Policy

The college community is subject to state and local usage laws. Specifically, the laws of New York State prohibit anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing alcohol. Furthermore, it is against the law to serve an underage or intoxicated person. These guidelines are designed to recognize current law and to help the campus community apply the law as we plan and conduct programs. Each member of the campus community must take responsibility for obeying the law.

Alcoholic beverages may be sold on campus only by licensed and insured vendors as provided in these guidelines.

Open alcoholic beverage containers are prohibited in all outdoor and indoor areas of the campus except as provided below. Bringing alcoholic beverages to any event is prohibited.

Residence hall students who are 21 or over may consume alcoholic beverages in their living areas. All other residence hall areas shall be alcohol free.

Campus departments and sponsored campus/community groups may serve alcoholic beverages under the condition that at least one faculty or staff person shall supervise the event to ensure compliance with state and local laws and the college’s alcohol guidelines.

The United Students’ Government shall forward approved major student events where alcohol will be sold to the dean of students for review of the qualifications of potential alcohol vendors and approval of the planned use of alcohol.

Whenever alcoholic beverages are served, non-alcoholic beverages and food shall also be made available.

Alcoholic beverages may be served only in conjunction with the program. They shall not be used as the main attraction of the event.

Students who unlawfully use, possess, manufacture, or distribute alcohol will be subject to the college’s due process disciplinary procedures as published in the Student Handbook and distributed once a year in the Record. Penalties may include probation, suspension, expulsion, and referral for criminal prosecution.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act provides a penalty of $50 per offense for any person under the age of 21 who is in possession of an alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume it. A person under the age of 21 who presents falsified or fraudulently altered proof of age for the purpose of purchasing, or attempting to purchase, alcoholic beverages is guilty of a violation of the act and is subject to a one year probationary period and fine. A person who uses a falsified driver’s license for the purpose of purchasing, or attempting to purchase, alcoholic beverages may have his or her driver’s license suspended.

Specific questions and comments regarding campus regulations and alcohol-related events should be addressed to the dean of students.